Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo, Central Station
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo, Central Station
Lake Talbot Tourist Park, Narrandera
Lake Talbot Tourist Park in Narrandera
On the first day of our trip to Sydney earlier this year we stopped for the night at Narrandera in the mid-west of NSW. It was dark by the time we arrived because it was in the middle of winter. We booked into our pre-booked cabin, unpacked the essentials and then headed down to the main shopping area to get something to eat. Were tired after the long journey, so we settled on a takeaway pizza instead of a restaurant meal.
Our cabin was cosy without being luxurious. The bed was really comfortable and that is the most important factor. We had a good night’s sleep and in the morning we were ready to tackle the last leg to Sydney. After packing the car (see photo below) I had a few spare moments to get the camera out and take a few shots of the tourist park and the adjacent lake. It is a place I’d like to return someday soon with the purpose of exploring a little further than just the main street in the dark!
Lake Talbot Tourist Park in Narrandera
Lake Talbot Tourist Park in Narrandera
Our cabin at the Lake Talbot Tourist Park in Narrandera
Birding while having lunch
Yellow Rosella, Balranald, NSW
Whenever we travel, we try to pick suitable places for meal breaks. For us, suitable places are not shopping malls, places with crowds of people and busy locations. We prefer quiet, natural spots where I can do some birding while we have lunch or a cuppa.
On our way home from Sydney last year we stopped for lunch on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Balranald, far south western New South Wales. While we ate I managed a few photos of the local birds, including the Yellow Rosella shown above. This rosella is a sub species of the common Crimson Rosella usually seen much further east. For a better photo click here.
A Laughing Kookaburra also came near for a look at what we were doing, but I was unable to get a close shot before he flew off downstream. For better photos click here.
Laughing Kookaburra, Balranald, NSW
Lunch on the banks of the river
Lunch on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
After leaving Rankins Springs we continued on our journey west heading for home. Driving over the Hay Plains can lonely and there are long stretches of straight road. Most people probably find this section boring, but we are always fascinated by the subtle changes of vegetation as one travels into the drier parts of far south-west New South Wales.
I also enjoy trying to identify the bird species seen along this stretch. While the vegetation may be sparse in places, the bird life is surprisingly varied. Half way between Rankins Springs and Hay we stopped for a mid-morning cuppa and snack. In the twenty minutes we stopped I managed quite a long list of birds.
Our next stop was on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Balranald (see photo above). We usually carry a picnic lunch with us whenever we travel as we never know exactly where we will be when we stop. It saves finding a place to buy food, too. We also have hot water with us for a cuppa as well.
The river flood plains near Balranald are covered by huge River Red Gums, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which make a beautiful backdrop for a picnic lunch.
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
Rankins Springs, New South Wales
Hotel at Rankins Springs, NSW
On our way home from Sydney last year we stayed one night at Rankins Springs in mid western NSW. I would have liked to have stayed longer and pursued some intensive birding in the area, but we were on a tight schedule to get home.
We stayed in the local motel. This is not the most glamorous motel I’ve ever stayed in, but it did have many good points: the room was clean, the bed comfortable and the hot water made an enjoyable shower. And the price not exorbitant. What more can you want?
We also had a wonderful dinner in the hotel dining room next door and were made to feel very welcome by the owners. Sure, a hamburger with the works is not exactly your meal to die for, but boy, it sure was delicious and filled an urgent need.
The next time we are passing through with our caravan, we must try out the caravan park just across the road (see photo below).
Main street of Rankins Springs, NSW
Rankins Springs caravan park, NSW